Headaches

Headaches are common in our fast-paced, pressure-filled world. There are many causes of headaches: physical or emotional stress, chemical toxins, nutritional deficiencies and physical trauma (small or large).  Research has proven that 78%  of headaches are  neck or biomechanical in nature.

Too often, we turn to traditional medicine or side-effect ridden over-the-counter drugs to relieve our headache discomfort. Unfortunately, most medications only mask the underlying sources of pain by dulling the senses without addressing the real cause. Common sense states headaches are not caused by a lack of aspirin. Numerous case studies have shown that a combination of chiropractic adjustments and  lifestyle changes can stop, eliminate or dramatically reduce the frequency and intensity of most headaches by removing the cause of the pain. Releasing the tension from the neck and head with safe and effective Chiropractic is always the best choice for headache relief.

For example,  if various neck or cervical spinal joints  mis-align,  due to injury or poor posture, irritated nerves can cause  neck muscles to constrict around blood vessels altering blood flow to the brain or other important structures.  Further research conducted in the middle 1990's discovered a connective tissue bridge between the dura mater (tissue sac surrounding the brain/spinal cord) and two sets of sub-occipital or upper cervical neck muscles. The MRI enhanced image 'pictured right' shows this muscle-dura connection. Simply put, when the 1st or 2nd cervical (spinal) vertebrae are out of alignment the rectus capitus posterior minor and/or major often spasm. The spasming muscles then may pull on the dura stressing the spinal cord, brain stem and brain resulting in headache. Restoring health and balance to these important structures is needed to remove the source of most headaches.

It is also important to know that if you've suffered from chronic headaches for years, improvement may take time. Rehabilitating the joints of the neck or correcting the curve of the neck is similar to applying braces or orthodontics to the teeth. And a visit to our office is a great place to start. After your initial examination, we will determine if chiropractic care is the best alternative for treating your type of headache. Every headache has a cause, and if we are unable to identify the cause or if your headache is not biomechanical, we will refer you to another specialist who may be able to help.